After PhD Interview

[ynrn11]

Hi guys, 

Anyone who can share what the informal protocol is after a PhD interview that went really well? In my case, I was interviewed by POI. Several hours after the interview, he emailed me three papers he co-authored, and wrote he would definitely see himself working with me (I'm stoked!). I am thinking about asking him for an appointment to talk more about the research area, but I was wondering is there anything else I should do? Am I supposed to reach out to the other faculty members with similar research in the department? 

Prior to  the interview the department chair emailed me saying they were looking to develop relationships with applicants they are interested in by the time they make an official decision (by April 1st). What does "to develop relationship" mean in this context? How do I  develop/maintain relationship with the program without being annoying?

[E-P]

Personally, I treated it like a job interview, and sent a thank you letter to both POIs who interviewed me.  I thanked them for their time and reiterated my interest.  But otherwise, I left it.  I don't want to come across as "needy."

That said, I do think that, regardless of the choice they make (and you make), you could reach out to the professor after the decisions and ask if you could schedule time with him.  I think most schools don't require one's dissertation committee to be all faculty at your school, so you could end up with him there, if you choose to go elsewhere.  I'd say something like, "Although I won't be attending <school>, I did enjoy our conversation, and I have a lot to learn from you.  Would it be possible to skype periodically about where our research is?  Perhaps I could even help you with <paper you're working on>?"